Knowledge Centre • Artwork & Visual Materials

Watercolour Scanning

Watercolours require careful colour and tonal reproduction because subtle washes and paper tone can carry significant visual information.

A controlled imaging setup can capture delicate tonal transitions while avoiding unnecessary contact with the paper. Colour management and suitable reference targets are important where accurate colour is required.

Standards context: FADGI identifies visual/pictorial material where colour reproduction is required as a specific digitisation objective. citeturn0search2

Watercolour digitisation

The capture method should be selected around the original object, its condition and the purpose of the digital master. Suitable material may be captured with a WideTEK 36 ART, reprographic camera system or flatbed solution, while delicate, oversized or surface-sensitive work may require a non-contact approach.

Materials and considerations

Watercolours

Considered as part of the specialist capture and quality-control workflow for this material.

Wash drawings

Considered as part of the specialist capture and quality-control workflow for this material.

Watercolour sketches

Considered as part of the specialist capture and quality-control workflow for this material.

Botanical watercolours

Considered as part of the specialist capture and quality-control workflow for this material.

Historic watercolours

Considered as part of the specialist capture and quality-control workflow for this material.

Artist studies

Considered as part of the specialist capture and quality-control workflow for this material.

Key considerations

  • Watercolours
  • Wash drawings
  • Watercolour sketches
  • Botanical watercolours
  • Historic watercolours
  • Artist studies

Need an artwork scanning specification?

We can assess the size, material, condition and intended use of your artwork or visual collection and recommend an appropriate capture method and digital output.